Ahhhhhh springtime on the Front Range! I LOVE hiking and cannot wait to get out more once school is done (tomorrow is the last day of school - WOOHOO! Teachers rejoice). And as I am gearing up for summer hiking, I am inevitably thinking about hiking gear.
Wondering what essentials you should pack for a hike this season? Read on to find out.
If you have read my other blog posts, you might be learning that I am quite the planner. I like to be ready. Like really ready, for anything - and that's good because hiking in the Rockies, or any mountainous area, can be difficult to plan for, weather wise.
A long long time ago, I worked at Yellowstone for the summer and that is when I really learned about how to pack for a hike. When you are heading out for a 25 mile hike across the middle of Yellowstone National Park, let's just say you best be prepared! Even though my hikes nowadays tend to be shorter, because often my seven year old is with me, weather can still be unpredictable on even the shortest hikes. And beyond that, comfort along the trail is key to enjoying your adventure.
So let's get down to it and talk about my list of essentials for hiking!
Mountains Looked Like Fun, Climbed Up to the Sun: Essential Hiking Gear 2021
1. One Pack to Pack It All
To kick things off, let's talk about packs. I love bags. Like I might have a small obsession with them and keep finding excuses why I need another. But I have to say, my all time favorite hiking pack has been serving me well for years and I have not found one I love more! One reason I love this Osprey pack is that it has Osprey's AirScape Suspension - a breathable external frame that keeps the pack from touching your back and thus, keeps your back much cooler. After having this type of pack suspension, I seriously cannot go back! I also really like that Osprey has gender-specific sizing to give a perfect fit. Pro tip, if you go into REI they will help you get fitted for the right size pack, and then you can do your research to find the lowest price somewhere! Lastly, my Osprey pack has a plethora of pockets to help keep me organized while on the go. Since my Osprey pack, pictured above, is a little old school being nearly a decade old (wow, I really must like this one!) Check out the newer Osprey models like this Tempest 20, an 18 liter pack. It looks a lot like my old one and similar features, and now that I am looking at it and realizing my old pack is seriously about a decade old, I'm almost thinking I need a new one!
2. Hydration + Fuel
Next up, a hydration system and snacks. So essential to a great hike. Do not get stuck on a trail without water and some good snacks. Especially if you are hiking with kids - lots and lots of snacks! I love my Osprey Hydraulics system, which carries enough water for long hikes, but I also can just fill it part way if I am doing a shorter one. The best part about this hydration system, in my opinion, is the super smart hose magnet - it keeps your bite valve right where you want it while hiking. Speaking of the bite valve, I just ordered myself one of these and already know it's going to be a winner, a cover which will stop my bite valve from hitting the dust on the trail. Inevitably when I set my bag down and then my son decides to take a sip of mom's chilly water, he forgets to use the magnet to put it back in place, and sometimes it hits the dirt. My kid needs some more training.
Speaking of my kid, let's discuss snackage. To get my seven year old to hike longer distances (or let's be honest - any distance) there needs to be a snack involved. My pick for snacks are usually high protein choices like trail mix or turkey jerky from Trader Joe's. For little snackers, Goldfish are usually a win as well as fruit snacks. Oh, and I love my Kind Bars - just be sure you store your dark chocolate chunk bar in the pocket with your chilly water so it does not get too warm!
3. Weather Ready Layers
If you have traveled to Colorado you might already know that you have to pack for literally every kind of weather. Even in winter, you may find yourself in a tank top on top of a mountain getting a sunburn - no joke! Likewise, even in the summer you can encounter snow on a higher elevation trail.
So basically, be ready for everything.
Here's what I typically wear and pack for a spring, summer or fall hike. First, I always have a tank top layer. I run hot and will get down to the tank top layer no matter the season. Pictured here is one of my favorites from my shop, my Stop-Go design. Next, I usually have a t-shirt layer. Something to keep the sun off my shoulders but still light and breezy. Then, a long sleeve layer. In the summer, my choice is always a UPF 50+ long sleeve to block the sun. So in addition to being a layer of warmth as needed, you also have some extra sun protection. While we are talking about protection, I almost always have my rain jacket in my pack. As stated before, weather can change quickly in the mountains! My favorite rain jacket is a stretchy, breathable Patagonia one I got a few years back.
The next question always is: pants or shorts? It may be chilly when I start the trail but then really warm up, or the temp could drop significantly at higher elevations.
Lucky for you, I have found the most comfortable, awesome hiking pants and shorts, so you will be covered! The Mountain Hardwear Dynama series is AWESOME. Stretchy, water resistant, and made for climbing means great durability. But better yet, these hiking pants have a stretchy, yoga-like waistband with a super cute shirring detail on the back. Whoever is hiking behind you won't mind that view! I am not kidding, though, these pants are extremely comfy and a great fit. I ordered them in three colors! I also got the shorts in more than one color. As far as which to wear, I really do run hot, so sometimes I start with the Dynama pants and pack my Dynama shorts. It's easy enough, usually, to hop off the trail and change if I want to!
Now, if you don't like the idea of changing off the trail, convertible pants are a practical idea. Problem is, so many of the convertible pants look frumpy! I'm serious, I have ordered every major outdoor brand's convertible hiking pants hoping that someone, please someone, designed convertible pants that hit me at the right spot for shorts and actually look great on - and to no avail! For years. Like I ordered some last spring hoping that something had changed - the design or style, or maybe my body shape had magically become more hospitable to functional hiking pants. Then this spring, I was on the same hunt. Seeing that I had already ordered most of the styles, last year, and obviously didn't like them, I was about to give up when I decided to try something new. I had been going with the popular brands I know and trust, but had yet to try random off brands. And let's face it, if those popular brands still have not figured out how to make flattering convertible pants, it is time for me to move on. Well, all I have to say is, I am thankful for Amazon's free returns policy because it allowed me to try several new brands without worry because I can always send them back. And guess what - I struck gold this spring! Gold, Jerry, gold! And the major kicker (my husband was proud) these hiking pants are actually affordable, under $40! Little does he know, this does not necessarily mean I will spend less money, because for that price I can afford more than one pair! These hiking pants have a little stretch, the shorts hit me in a flattering spot, and they also have buttons on the calf for capri conversion. That's a win.
4. Traction: Shoes and Poles
Next on my list are shoes and trekking poles. Trekking poles are not just for hyper-hiking visor-wearing grandparents on the trail, let me tell you. A good set of trekking poles can really save your knees! They also help you stabilize on unsure footing, keep your arms moving, and some even double as a monopod for cameras! Now, the set of trekking poles I own are a bit on the pricey end; but I don't think I will ever need to get another set. These are like the luxury model trekking poles, the ones my husband said I didn't need. Guess what, I got them anyway and love them. These Black Diamond trekking poles are worth it, to me, because they have shocks. Also they came in turquoise almost the same color as my backpack, so, it clearly had to be done. However, if you want a more budget-friendly set, these ones have lots of great reviews and color choices as well!
As for hiking shoes, I am a firm believer that you need to own more than one pair; high tops and low tops. I need my high top hikers for better ankle support on longer trails, tougher terrain or for winter hiking. But my low tops are a little more comfy to me and are more of an everyday wear. For high tops, my favorites are the Vasque Talus Trek Ultra Drys which are waterproof and do great year round on trails. For low tops, I have tried lots of different brands but I always go back to KEEN. My newest pair of KEENs are the women's Terradora 2, and I can't wait to test them out this weekend in Telluride. KEEN shoes have a wide footbed and are predictably comfortable for me, so I am sure these will be keepers!
5. Camera + Electronics
Don't forget a camera to capture the sights along the trail! I absolutely love my Canon M100 mirrorless camera. The M100 has an awesome flip screen for fantastic selfies and portraits, a compact almost retro design, and a really cool WiFi/Bluetooth feature that makes getting the pictures to your phone and Insta a snap. I have the white M100, and chose a retro brown leather camera case to go with it. The case protects the camera really well and has battery access which is key. An extra charged battery isn't a bad idea to pack either. Nothing worse than getting to a vista but not being able to capture the view! For a tripod, this one with bendable legs is my fave. It also came with an iPhone adapter as well as GoPro - so you are totally covered. The bendable legs can wrap around a tree branch or balance out on rough terrain or rocks. The Canon M100 is a great little camera and perfect for traveling. I topped my M100 off with this woven cotton strap that I love. It is soft and comfy.
Staying comfy on the trail requires some navigation, though, so anytime I am hiking alone or with my son I like to bring along my Garmin for navigation. The Garmin eTrex is a compact, easy to use system that will help you track your journey. It also has a "track back" function that can help you find your way home - forget about breadcrumbs! I like to research my hikes on All Trails, where you can often find reviews as recent is the day of that will help you plan for the trail conditions.
With my bag all packed and my hiking shoes on, it will be time to hit the trail!
I hope my Mountains Looked Like Fun, Climbed Up to the Sun: Essential Hiking Gear 2021 list gave you some great ideas for how to pack for your next adventure.
This post includes my authentic thoughts and reviews and contains affiliate links to my favorite products.
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